New Zealand on show in Europe

New Zealand will have an exclusive stand at the world’s largest tourism travel trade show in Berlin this week, exhibiting to more than 1000 buyers and 120,000 visitors.

Our presence at International Tourismus Borse (ITB) kicks off a string of European travel trade events Tourism New Zealand is taking part in this month.

At the three day event 11 New Zealand product suppliers will conduct over 300 meetings with travel buyers from all over Europe. Air New Zealand will also feature its virtual plane, with flight attendants demonstrating their new premium economy seats and Sky Couch.

“We have seen significant growth from our European markets recently with an increase in visitor arrivals from Germany of 15% and 12% from the UK for the year ending December 2016. We’re also witnessing a continuing trend of these visitors coming to New Zealand in the shoulder seasons.

“Having New Zealand tourism operators at in market events will help to educate buyers about the great product New Zealand has to offer.”

Following ITB, Tourism New Zealand will exhibit at the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Exchange event on 13 March in London.

Fifteen New Zealand product suppliers will meet with over 90 UK product managers at the event designed to connect buyers with sellers to create new business opportunities.

“The PATA Exchange allows New Zealand suppliers to connect with key decision makers from tour operators, travel agencies, and wholesalers to grow New Zealand's footprint in the UK.”

“They are able to pre-select up to 20 of these decision makers to meet with before they arrive in the country. This format allows suppliers to utilise their time wisely on the day,” says Pip.

Together with 14 New Zealand product suppliers, Tourism New Zealand is also conducting training events over three days in London, Glasgow and Manchester.

The Kiwi Roadshow runs from 14-16 March and will train over 250 UK travel agents on how best to sell holidays to New Zealand.

The content of these training sessions will focus on what's new to see and do in New Zealand, particularly in the less travelled regions.

“We want to educate agents on what there is to see and do regions to broaden their knowledge of New Zealand.

“It’s crucial for New Zealand’s economy that visitors travel far and wide so everyone can benefit from tourism.”